Crossroads March to TalentSpot Victory

07 Apr Crossroads March to TalentSpot Victory

Ayrshire Club Claim Competition Title with Moving Reflection on War and Loss

On Saturday the 4^th of April Young Farmers from across the West Region competed in their Regional TalentSpot Competition held at the SEC Armadillo. The competition, supported by Scotmin Nutrition, saw members showcasing their talents and teamwork on the biggest stage, as they competed to be crowned the 2026 Talentspot champions. The audience and judges were treated to a brilliant evening of music, dancing and comedy where the hard work and skill of the performers were on full display.

The winners on the evening were Crossroads YFC, claiming their third title in four years and the coveted Wiseman Crystal Thistle Trophy. Their performance entitled “Who Will Fall When Duties Call?” set in the backdrop of the second world war was a rollercoaster of action and emotion with the heartbreaking final moments leaving some in the auditorium visibly moved. Speaking after their win, producers David Smith and Fiona Cuthbertson were delighted with the performance. David summed up his feelings:

“We’re absolutely buzzing, we can’t believe it. It’s been a lot of work since January, getting this production together for the first round at Ayrshire and then to get here to the final at the Armadillo. Absolutely buzzing and a great night’s entertainment from all the teams involved.” 

He then gave some insight on where he got the concept for this year’s winning scene:

“I’ve no idea, some lonely nights in the milking parlour to be honest. That’s where I do my thinking is at the milking.”

Fiona was quick to praise everyone involved in the production:

“The effort from the cast in general, not just us. Cailean (musical director) obviously put a lot of work into the music in the production and the choreography. But the cast have been brilliant they are all so enthusiastic and have just been so keen to try lots of different things and put their all into practices so that really helps us see what works and what doesn’t and make any changes where we needed to. To get it where it was tonight.”

Judges Michelle Gordon, Ken Fletcher and Kate Picken MBE were thoroughly impressed by all the acts on stage, stating in their final crit that the ‘quality was out of this world’ and complimenting the acts on the variety of techniques and skills on display.

Second place went to Carluke YFC with their Winter Olympics inspired scene “On Thin Ice”. This scene impressed particularly with its use of props and set design. As performers dressed as Olympic athletes, skied, skated and even bobsled across the stage.

Third place was claimed by Lesmahagow YFC with their performance entitled “Fast Feud”. Which saw rival fast food outlets fighting it out for top spot in Glasgow’s infamous Four Corners junction. This performance featured the winner of ‘Best Act’ on the night. The accolade going to Mia Crooks who delivered a stellar performance in her role as ‘Pizza Hut Manager’, showing her range as she cracked jokes, drove the storyline and captivated the audience with a showstopping solo number. Mia thoroughly enjoys performing in the competition:

“I love performing on the armadillo stage and have been lucky enough to have been there for the 4th time! This year has topped the rest as I am over the moon and incredibly grateful for winning best individual! The full day always has a buzz from the bus journey in until the dance at night.”

In between the main Talentspot competition, the night also featured front of curtain performances from each West district. This mini competition featured great variety with members performing comedy sketches, musical numbers and even an original poem. The winner on the evening, as decided by audience vote, was Frazer McFadzean of Mauchline YFC with his performance entitled ‘Two Bob, Bob Dylan’ which saw him performing the musician’s famous song ‘Blowin in the Wind’ on both guitar and harmonica. Frazer described what it was to like to perform alone on the Armadillo stage:

“It was very nerve wracking during the run up to it and on the day, especially with it only being the second time I’ve ever performed with the first being at Ayrshire Talentspot, but when I was on the stage with the incredible support behind me it made it a lot easier, the whole thing was so surreal. Then winning just took it to a whole new level. The buzz from it is still crazy, and the whole experience is definitely not one I’ll forget any time soon”

The evenings competition was bookended by some fantastic opening and closing performances provided by Airdire & Coatbride Amateur Operatic Society, Ayrshire District 80th Anniversary Choir and accordionist Charlotte Hamlet.

The competition was supported by Scotmin Nutrition, marking the 9^th consecutive year that the company has been involved with the event. Douglas Watson, Head of Retail Sales had this to say about the evening’s performance:

“What a wonderful night, with such great talent on show from all the performers. Tom and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We are so proud to support SAYFC, and being part of this competition means a lot to the business”

West Chair and compere for the evening, Anne Craig, summarized this year’s competition;

“The West Talentspot competition continues to be one of the most competitive events in the West Region calendar. Clubs from across the region put in months of hard work, all aiming to secure their place on the Armadillo stage through tough district qualifiers.

This year’s event showcased an incredible standard of talent. It was great to see a mix of clubs taking to the West stage for the first time, some returning after more than a decade, and others back again to compete. Every club gave it their all as they competed to take home the Trophy!

The competition gets stronger every year, and the judges certainly had no easy task. We were also treated to a fantastic selection of opening and closing acts, featuring both past and present members of SAYFC.

A huge well done and congratulations to everyone who did take part on Saturday, you should all be incredibly proud. I would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to support the clubs this year, I don’t think we could have asked for a more supportive and enthusiastic audience this year who cheered our teams on from start to finish!

We’re also very grateful to Scotmin Nutrition for supporting the event for the 9th consecutive year. Their continued backing is hugely appreciated. Finally, a big thank you to all of our stewards. The event wouldn’t have run as smoothly as it did without their hard work and support.”